Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the use of contraceptive methods, Chile

Abstract

Introduction: Daily life was affected during the COVID-19 pandemic period, so a difficulty in obtaining supplies (merchandise, employment, services, etc.) was contemplated, delving specifically into obtaining contraceptives. Objectives: Describe the impact of the pandemic in relation to use of contraceptive methods in women between 18- and 23-years old residing in Viña del Mar. Methodology: The study is a continuous quantitative, cross-sectional, non-probabilistic sampling, called "snowball". A survey was made to women residents of the city of Viña del Mar. The sample size consisted of 90 people in total, with a cohort point between 18 and 23 years old. Results: 85% of the respondents are students. The most commonly used contraceptive methods are the pill and the external condom. During the pandemic (2020, 2021, 2022) 12.87% abandoned their contraceptive method, while 17.76% changed it. Conclusion: The pandemic is a determining factor in the adherence to contraceptive methods, although the results obtained in this study are positive in comparison to other research, it should be considered that the interruption of these methods implies a violation of sexual and reproductive rights, which should be guaranteed in spite of being in crisis.